Online ReporterEllina Mhlanga, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Netball Association (Zina) say they are putting everything in place to ensure the Gems secure a third World Cup qualification on the trot, driven by careful planning and lessons from a demanding 2025 campaign.
The global showpiece is due to take place in Australia from August 25 to September 5, in 2027.
The top six countries, hosts Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, England, South Africa and Uganda, have already secured their places at the 16 team tournament based on world rankings as at December 1, 2025.
The remaining 10 slots will be decided through the regional qualifiers scheduled for this year, with Kenya set to host the African qualifiers in September.
Zimbabwe’s Gems will be among the countries vying for the two remaining slots for the continent, carrying confidence built over a year of steady progress.
Zina president Leticia Chipandu wants the Gems to maintain the momentum after wrapping up 2025 with a bronze medal at the Africa Cup in Malawi.
Prior to the Africa Cup, the Gems placed fourth at the Celtic Cup in Scotland, a spirited run that saw them move up the World Rankings from position 13 to 12.
“I would say 2025 was a fairly successful year for Zimbabwe Netball Association.
“When we went to the Celtic Cup, we were able to improve our ranking from 13 to 12, at the moment, that’s our world ranking.
“When we went to the Africa Championships, we were able to maintain our third position, we got bronze.
“What does this mean for Zimbabwe Netball Association as we move towards qualifiers in September 2026, in Kenya? It means that Zimbabwe has to keep the momentum, raise the bar by having lots of competitions with competitive teams.
“We have lined up schedules with Uganda, South Africa. We most likely will play Malawi, and we would perhaps want to see the Celtic Cup held earlier than September so that it gives the team enough practice,” said Chipandu.
Last year, the netball mother body put in place a developmental side, the Zambezi Eagles, which participated in the first two weeks of the Telkom Netball League in South Africa.
Their involvement came in the form of friendly matches, giving emerging players exposure to a higher level of competition.
They will be returning to the neighbouring country for the same tournament this year, this time with a broader mandate.
“We are also going to participate in the Telkom tournament. This time we are going to participate from the beginning to the end.
“And perhaps it will also be a chance for us to filter in more senior players to give them the practice that we need,” added Chipandu.
Zimbabwe made their debut at the World Cup in 2019 in Liverpool, England.
They returned for their second appearance in 2023, with South Africa hosting the tournament, and are now pushing for a third consecutive showing on the sport’s biggest stage.
Zina are also looking beyond the playing group, with a series of technical workshops scheduled for March.
“In March, we are going to have a training from world-renowned tutors from South Africa, to train our coaches so that they up their skills.
“We are doing very well with our local coaches, but we feel that perhaps they may learn one or two things from people or coaches that are performing better than them.
“So, in March we have got a workshop for training coaches, a workshop for upgrading umpires, and a workshop for training administrators,” said Chipandu.
The national association is not only focusing on coaches from the top leagues but is also extending the programme to lower divisions across the provinces and schools.
“Remember, we are also planning for the Under 20 Mozambique Region 5 Youth Games, which are there in December this year.
“It’s going to be a very hectic year to prepare both the Under 20s as well as the Gems qualifying for the World Cup.
“And I am very positive. If we stick to our plan or the roadmap that we have already lined up and submitted to SRC (Sports and Recreation Commission), and to ourselves, I can see ourselves qualifying for the World Cup for the third time.”
